Over 60 Dead as Overloaded Boat Capsizes in Niger State

At least 60 people have been confirmed dead after a boat carrying more than 100 passengers capsized in Nigeria’s north-central Niger State.

The vessel had left Tungan Sule in Malale district on Tuesday morning en route to Dugga for a condolence visit when it struck a submerged tree stump near Gausawa community in Borgu Local Government Area.

Abdullahi Baba Ara, chairman of Borgu LGA, said the death toll was still climbing.

“The death toll of the boat incident has risen to 60,” he said. “Ten people have been found in serious condition and many are still being sought.”

The accident occurred around 11 a.m. (1000 GMT). Sa’adu Inuwa Muhammad, the district head of Shagumi, said he was among those who rushed to the scene.

“I was at the site yesterday from around 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The boat carried more than 100 people,” Muhammad said. “We recovered 31 corpses from the river. The boat itself was later retrieved.”

He added that four victims were buried on Tuesday in accordance with Islamic rites, noting that women and children made up the majority of those who lost their lives.

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed 29 deaths, 50 rescues, and two missing persons as of Tuesday evening.

According to the agency, the boat was overloaded and collided with a tree stump, leading to the tragedy. Emergency personnel and local divers have continued search and recovery operations.

Boat mishaps are a recurring tragedy in Nigeria, particularly during the rainy season, when rivers swell and poorly maintained vessels are put into service. Overcrowding and weak safety regulations also contribute to the frequent loss of lives.